Putting kindness back into the world, one painting at a time

Painting kindness in one’s work allows two journeys to unfold, both different and both the same, bringing a sense of awe back into the spirit of life.

Please come along and let colour excite the awe with a balance of light within. I am adding a bonus activity again, for those painters wanting some extra fun at no extra cost.  We will be creating a painting on an invisible tree. This will be offered after our regular painting mornings, weather permitting of course.

“I paint with a sense of kindness reflected back on me, respectfully, from the amazement and tranquility of the forest. It’s from this kindness given to me so freely and without fear that I travel. This allows me to take in deeply and respectfully the mysteries that surround me. It is in this conversation with nature that drives my imagination forward with the light and darkness on canvas. This balance creates a sense of a welcoming journey enjoyed by me, as painter, and as a passing stranger.I can’t wait for our time together to begin.” (James Hayes)

Summer at Sorrento Centre – Week 4, August 15 – 21

Click here to check out the schedule for week 4

Spend your afternoons at the Centre’s lakeside property and private beach which has a sand volleyball court, outhouse and change rooms, explore the forest trails, take a walking meditation on the labyrinth, cozy up to to a fire in Kekuli, perfect your drama skills on our stage, use the fields for outdoor games or activities, play on the swings or basketball court, cop a squat at the little library, use the outdoor kitchen to create a delicious meal, have an invigorating shower at one of our two wash houses, or get out of your apartment or lodge bed and request housekeeping. The Wi-Fi is free, and your fur babies are welcome too!

Accommodations and meals are available for purchase. The Centre has an indoor dining room, an outdoor kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, a little library, and a shop with necessities, gifts, and snacks.

Artist’s Statement

I try to paint with a sense of grounded humility, taking in deeply and respectfully the mysteries that stand before me. While hiking in the forest, I attempt to capture in my work, a conversation between light and darkness, while holding both in balance, their fragility and delicateness. It is in this attempt at balance that I curiously look for nature’s best kept secrets. This then becomes a journey calling me forward! I have painted for many years from this perspective, while I still find myself standing and feeling very small at the feet of creation. My paintings have found homes in many parts of the world, hanging in private and corporate collections. I live with my wife and two dogs in a beautiful and quaint village in the Shuswap, Sorrento, B.C. I am surrounded and blessed by its inspiration at every turn.

To see more of Jim’s work, please click here

Kindness 2026 – Learn more